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99th Congress (1985–1987)
The 99th Congress ran from January 3, 1985 to January 3, 1987. Democrats held the House (253–181 after the election) and Republicans the Senate (53–47). Speaker: Tip O'Neill. 688 laws enacted.
Sources: House and Senate historians; Congress.gov
Quick Answer
- Term
- January 3, 1985 – January 3, 1987
- Sessions
- 1st session 1985 · 2nd session 1986
- House majority
- Democrats 253–181 (initial results)
- Senate majority
- Republicans 53–47
- Speaker
- Tip O'Neill
- Laws enacted
- 688
The House
DEMOCRATS
253
After the election
REPUBLICANS
181
After the election
NON-VOTING
5
4 Delegates + Resident Commissioner
Democrats won a 72-seat edge in the 435-seat House. These are the House historian’s figures from the initial election results; deaths, resignations, special elections and party switches during the Congress are not reflected. The non-voting seats are explained on non-voting members of Congress.
The Senate
MAJORITY
53
Republicans
MINORITY
47
Democrats
The Senate historian records Republicans as the majority.
Control was divided: Democrats held the House and Republicans the Senate.
Speaker of the House
- Tip O'NeillMA · elected Speaker January 3, 1985
Laws enacted and days in session
LAWS ENACTED
688
Public and private laws
ENACTMENT RATE
7.0%
Laws ÷ bills and joint resolutions introduced
DAYS IN SESSION
—
Record starts with the 104th (1995)
Law counts are from Congress.gov; see how many laws Congress passes for every Congress compared. Days in session count days either chamber sat, from the daily Congressional Record — days in session by year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the 99th Congress?
The 99th Congress ran from January 3, 1985 to January 3, 1987, with its first session in 1985 and its second in 1986.
Who controlled the 99th Congress?
Democrats held the House (253–181 after the election) and Republicans held the Senate (53–47, as the Senate historian records it).
Who was Speaker of the House in the 99th Congress?
Tip O'Neill (MA), elected January 3, 1985.
How many laws did the 99th Congress pass?
688, counting public and private laws, per Congress.gov. That is 7.0% of the bills and joint resolutions introduced.
Sources: House party divisions, Senate party division, Speakers of the House; laws from Congress.gov.
Related Resources
How Many Laws Has Congress Passed?
Every law this Congress has enacted, the share of bills that make it, and the count for every Congress back to 1951.
How Many Days Does Congress Work?
Session days for every year since 1995 and every Congress — and whether Congress really works less than it used to.
Party Breakdown of Congress
Current Senate and House seats by party — majority margins, Independents, and vacancies, from live data.
When Is Congress in Session?
The House and Senate schedules for the year — session weeks, recesses, and when each chamber is next back.